Shippers' Council, Ocean Centre join forces to strengthen Bangladesh's maritime economy

Bangladesh's expanding maritime trade and rising ambitions in port development, fisheries and offshore opportunities demand urgent and sustained attention to safety, sustainability and workforce development, stakeholders have said.

Chairman of the Shippers' Council of Bangladesh (SCB) Md. Rezaul Karim made the remarks during a high-level meeting with representatives of the Ocean Centre initiative, held recently, according to a press release.

The meeting explored avenues for collaboration to advance maritime safety and support the growth of a sustainable ocean economy in Bangladesh, reflecting the country's increasing reliance on maritime trade and blue economy sectors.

Presided over by Razaul Karim, the meeting was attended by SCB Senior Vice Chairman Syed Md. Bakhtiar, Vice Chairman Ataur Rahman Khan and other directors of the council. 

From the Ocean Centre initiative, participants included Patricia Furtado, Global Lead of Ocean Centres; Shahamin S. Zaman, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Bangladesh (GCNB); Commodore Syed Ariful Islam, BN (Retd), Adviser and Focal Point of Ocean Centre Bangladesh; and Captain M A Mukit Khan (Retd), Country Lead of Ocean Centre Bangladesh.

SCB Chairman welcomed the Ocean Centres initiative, describing it as highly relevant for Bangladesh as a maritime nation. He stressed that the country's expanding maritime trade, port infrastructure, fisheries sector and emerging offshore prospects must be supported by stronger emphasis on safety standards, environmental sustainability and skills development.

The Ocean Centres initiative-developed by the UN Global Compact in partnership with the Lloyd's Register Foundation-aims to promote safer and more sustainable ocean economies in developing countries, including Bangladesh, through multi-stakeholder engagement.

During the discussion, both sides identified key areas for collaboration, including improvements in shipping and port safety, greater private sector engagement in maritime sustainability, policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of green logistics and sustainable shipping practices.

They also emphasised research cooperation, data sharing and capacity-building programmes to raise industry standards and awareness.

The SCB Board of Directors expressed interest in strengthening institutional ties with Ocean Centre Bangladesh and in facilitating wider engagement among exporters, importers, financial institutions, logistics operators and relevant government agencies through workshops and seminars.

Ms Furtado highlighted the importance of inclusive collaboration between government, private sector, academia and civil society in addressing maritime safety challenges and unlocking the potential of a sustainable blue economy. She praised the proactive role of Bangladesh's maritime stakeholders and welcomed the continued engagement of the Shippers' Council.

Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing dialogue and explore joint initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime safety, enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable growth in Bangladesh's ocean economy.